Sat 4 Dec – The Priory

Christchurch Priory at night

Rock Choir –
4th December’s surprise performers!

The Rock Choir performed in the Priory in front of nearly 400 people – watch a quick snippet in the video below!

A cheque was presented by the evening’s sponsor Proscape Construction Landscaping. Barry Wilson presented the charity McMillan Caring Locally.

If you love to sing, you’ll love Rock Choir! No auditions and no musical knowledge needed. It’s all about singing, fun, community, friendship and life-changing experiences! The Christchurch and Southbourne Rock Choirs rehearse on Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings at St Katherines Church. Please go to Rockchoir.com to find out more and book a free taster session.

“We were so excited to be invited back to sing at Christchurch Priory for this such special event. We sang a mix of upbeat Christmas songs as well as some beautiful ballads such as ’Shallow’ and ‘Halalejuah’ which suited the venue perfectly”

Website: https://rockchoir.com

Rock Choir on Facebook

Rock Choir Christmas logo

Tonight’s performance: watch the video:

Rock Choir Christchurch
Sponsor's cheque presented to MacMillan Caring Locally

Sponsor’s cheque of £500 presented to MacMillan Caring Locally. A quick count of money raised on the night added another £700! Thanks to everyone who performed, organised & provided refreshments, and of course to the fantastic audience!

Macmillan Caring Locally

The Macmillan Unit at Christchurch Hospital is a Specialist Palliative Care Unit and Hospice for patients in South East Dorset and South West Hampshire. The charity, Macmillan Caring Locally, works in partnership with the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to provide the services at the Macmillan Unit and in our community.

https://www.macmillanlocal.org

Thanks to the venue:

Christchurch Priory logo

Christchurch Priory

The Parish of Christchurch

https://www.christchurchpriory.org/

Thanks to our sponsor for tonight’s event:

Proscapes Construction / Landscaping

https://www.proscapes.co.uk/

Thanks to No.01 Brasserie for refreshments:

No.1 Brasserie & Bar

Relax in our Parisian style bar and indulge in a light lunch and experience the flavours of our brasserie – serving a range of fresh and local ingredients, catering to all dietary requirements.

https://www.no1churchst.co.uk/

Image Credits

Ornamental pond by Christchurch Priory
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Steve Danielsgeograph.org.uk/p/4377950

Weds 1 Dec – Priory North Porch

The Living Advent Calendar launches!

The Living Advent Calendar was opened by the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Sue Bungey at the event on Wednesday 1st December 2021, held in the North Porch of Christchurch Priory.

A great turnout enjoyed the fantastic setting and festive atmosphere at the Calendar’s first ever event.

The entertainment was provided by:

The Autism Unlimited Portfield School Choir -1st December’s surprise performers!

Autism Unlimited employees from across the charity, and students from Portfield School, have been practising since the beginning of the new school year.

The choir sang a mixed selection including Don’t Worry Be Happy, Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer, and Jingle Bell Rock.

They also used Signalong to one of the songs (Signalong is a key word sign-supported communication system and is both used in Portfield School and provided by the charity through external training).

Autism Unlimited on Facebook
On LinkedIn
On Twitter
On Instagram
On YouTube

Sponsor’s cheque being received on behalf of Autism Unlimited.

Rotary Club organisers and event Sponsors.

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised went to:

Autism Unlimited

Autism Unlimited (was Autism Wessex), based in Christchurch, was founded in 1968. The charity supports children and adults with a diagnosis of autism and associated difficulties, and their families.

Services provided include Portfield School, a specialist school for children aged 3-18 as well as a new and exciting experiential learning programme for young adults aged 19-25 through Futures Unlimited. Residential settings provide homes for adults needing 24 hour care whilst Aspire, a seven-unit property in partnership with a housing provider, offers more independent living. Community Support Services delivers nearly 6,000 hours of support a week to autistic adults. Community Connections currently works with individuals, families, parents and carers living with autism locally to set up new groups and services to meet identified needs.

www.autism-unlimited.org

Thanks to the venue:

Christchurch Priory logo

Christchurch Priory

The Parish of Christchurch

https://www.christchurchpriory.org/

Refreshments courtesy of Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Bonafide Wines on Bargates – thank you!

Many thanks to the private sponsor of tonight’s event!

Mon 6 Dec – Captain’s Club

Captain's Club in Christchurch in the snow

Venue: The Captain’s Club: 

St George’s Singers –
6th December’s surprise performers!

The St George’s Singers gave a captivating performance led by George Horell. They performed favourite Carols including some by John Rutter and some popular Christmas songs, finishing by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas in song.

The audience enjoyed the excellent hospitality of The Captain’s Club owners Tim and Robert. 

Fundraiser Victoria Carswell from British Heart Foundation introduced the charity and received the cheque. Today was especially chosen by the charity as it is their 60th Anniversary.
 
The principal sponsor of CLAC Primrose Trust was the evening sponsor – Pippa and Kelvin Medley-Jones presented the cheque and Kelvin explained that Primrose Trust was set in memory of his late mother. 
 
St George's Singers
St George's Singers
British Heart Foundation receiving their cheque
St Georges Singers
St Georges Singers

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to The British Heart Foundation:

British Heart Foundation

British Heart Foundation: More than half of us will get a heart and circulatory condition and your support means that we can fund more life saving research to keep hearts beating longer. We are celebrating our 60th anniversary this year.

https://www.bhf.org.uk/

Thanks to our sponsor for tonight’s event:

The Primrose Charitable Trust

The Primrose Trust was established in 2017 by Kelvin and Pippa Medley-Jones in memory of Kelvin’s late mum, Mrs Primrose (Prim) George. The Trust is the principal sponsor for the 24-day Living Advent Calendar event.

Based in Christchurch, The Trust priority is to support small local charities that benefit children and adults in most need –  through disability, age, serious physical or mental illness, or financial deprivation. 

Thanks to the venue & refreshments provider:

The Captain’s Club

4 Star accommodation, delicious dining, an award-winning Spa, and beautiful views over the River Stour. https://www.captainsclubhotel.com/

The entertainment was provided by:

The St George’s Singers

This Christian group was formed when eight young members of St. George’s Choir got together to perform as part of choir concerts. Over the years our numbers have expanded to the present sixteen who enjoy singing a wide variety of music from classical to close harmony. We have been Cup Winners at Bournemouth Music Festival, have given many charity concerts and have shared platforms with a Brass Band, a Swing Band and The Dorset Police Choir.

Website: stgeorgessingers.co.uk

Fri 3 Dec – Druitt Hall

Druitt Hall Christchurch

The South Coast Academy of Performing Arts – (SCAPA)
3rd December’s surprise performers!

Friday’s event was held in Druitt Hall and young and old alike got into the Christmas spirit with some uplifiting songs!

SCAPA believe in ‘Affordable Performing Arts for All’.

Jo (the founder) has worked in the industry as a Teacher, performer, director and producer for over 30 years. We totally believe in the power creative subjects have in supporting young people – not only in pursuing their dreams but also in overcoming the pressures placed on them.

We have regular performances which aim to give our students a chance to show what they have learnt and have fun in a very supportive environment without having to spend a fortune on costumes or additional ‘show fees’. Parents and loved ones also then have the opportunity to come along, watch and support (and occasionally participate).

All the teachers are trained, have DBS and first aid – all details can be found on our website.

Website: www.scapa.biz  
Tel: 07525 040296.

SCAPA kids performance
Cheque presented to Somerford ARC
SCAPA kids performance

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised will go to:

Somerford ARC

Somerford ARC is a community centre that aims to improve the economic, social and environmental well-being and quality of life of people in the Christchurch area, especially the residents of Somerford. 

https://www.somerfordarc.com/

Thanks to the venue:

The Druitt Hall

The Hall in the Heart of Town! Located behind the Library just off the High Street. Home to Dorset Made Food’s weekly Monday Market, Friday Craft Market, various local clubs and available to hire. For more information see:

http://www.druitthall.org.uk/

Thanks to our sponsor for tonight’s event:

Christchurch Charitable Trust

Christchurch Charitable Trust